Vincent Pasque

The Nanobiophysics team at KU Leuven, part of the Soft Matter and Biophysics Research Unit in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, is offering a PhD position focused on the mechanobiology of early human development. The group specializes in developing dynamic biomaterials that combine biological signals with tunable physical properties to influence cell behavior, creating artificial extracellular matrices (ECMs) for applications such as tissue engineering, organ-on-a-chip platforms, and advanced biosensors. This interdisciplinary project centers on using advanced stem cell-based embryo models, known as blastoids, which mimic the early human blastocyst stage. The main research goal is to understand how mechanical cues in the microenvironment affect the development, shape, and fate of these blastoids. Key responsibilities include engineering composite hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties and bioactive molecules, developing controlled environments with precise gradients in mechanical forces, temperature, and biochemical cues, and analyzing the effects of these environments on cellular morphogenesis and mechanical properties. The project employs advanced experimental methods such as rheology, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)-based nanomechanical probing, and optical imaging to characterize materials and measure cellular mechanics. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with Prof. Rob Jelier (Computational Biology) for computational and high-throughput force inference, and Prof. Vincent Pasque (Epigenetic Reprogramming) for expertise in stem cell biology and blastoid culture. The position offers a tax-free PhD scholarship, generous holiday allowance, bonuses, and access to a range of non-pay benefits. The initial appointment is for 12 months, extendable up to 4 years based on positive evaluations. Applicants should have a background in (bio)physics, materials science, or bioengineering, and a strong interest in developmental mechanics. The position is based in Leuven, Belgium, at KU Leuven, one of Europe's top-ranked universities. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. For further information, candidates can contact Prof. dr. Carmen Bartic at [email protected].

The Pasque lab at KU Leuven is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to investigate stem cell biology and early human development. The project focuses on how pluripotency, epigenetic regulation, cell fate decisions, and gene regulatory networks shape peri-implantation and postimplantation development, with particular interest in extraembryonic lineages and X-chromosome inactivation. The work is embedded in the Faculty of Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, within the stem cell and development cluster and affiliated with the Leuven Single-Cell Omics Institute. The project is highly collaborative and is carried out with Dr. Claire Rougeulle (Curie Institute, France), Dr. Laurent David (University of Nantes, France), Dr. Thierry Voet (KU Leuven), and other researchers in the field. The successful candidate will develop and apply stem cell-based embryo models, including blastoids, and use CRISPR perturbations, microscopy, and single-cell multi-omics approaches to study early human embryo development. The role combines wet-lab experimentation with data generation and analysis, and may include engagement with computational biology and interdisciplinary collaboration. Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant life science area such as stem cell biology, developmental biology, or molecular biology. A strong publication record is expected, along with experience in mammalian stem cells, gene regulation, and molecular methods. Experience with cell culture, transcriptomics, epigenomics, early embryogenesis, human pluripotent stem cells, embryo models, microscopy, RNA FISH, single-cell genomics, and computational biology is considered advantageous. The position offers a competitive salary under KU Leuven standards, an initial one-year appointment, and the possibility of extension up to three years depending on performance and funding availability. The lab offers access to state-of-the-art facilities, a dynamic international research environment, and opportunities for scientific and professional development. The post is based in Leuven, Belgium, with an application deadline of 2026-09-30.